Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2017 4:37PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can still be found on shady aspects. Be aware of your exposure to steep solar aspects as Friday is expected to bring sunny skies and a freezing level up to 2900m. The danger rating can increase rapidly by midday on solar aspects.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

More warm weather forecast for the next few days. The freezing level on Friday is expected to rise again to 2900m along with clear skies. Today, solar aspects became moist and turned into a crust once the sun went away; expect the same thing for tomorrow. The winds are forecast to be 30km/hr from the West.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed along the Spray road. One size 2.5 slab avalanche, NE aspect was observed in the Bow Valley in the north bowl of EEOR (Mt. Rundle).

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are most noticeable near ridgeline and extending down the slope on most aspects due to the recent winds. Today was warm and sunny, thus making the snow moist on solar aspects and turning into a crust once the sun went away. The November crusts are still a concern, mostly in shallow areas.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

South aspects will be more prone to localized weakening especially if it is a thinner area. Pay attention to temps and expect rapidly changing conditions.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

If/when the temperatures rise, expect the windslabs to become touchier, especially on sun exposed slopes.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Be observant on solar aspects, especially above you.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2017 2:00PM